Ergonomic framework for Chinese and Western chess pieces

ABSTRACT

The ergonomic framework resembles a pyramid but with small rectangular peak ( 2 ), large rectangular base ( 8 ), two large isosceles trapezoid surface ( 5   a ) and ( 5   b ) on two side symmetrically face away from each other, and two small isosceles trapezoid surface ( 3   a ) and ( 3   b ) on two side symmetrically face away from each other. Said two large identical isosceles trapezoid surfaces are the primary display surfaces to display symbols that represent a particular chess piece. The angle between said large isosceles trapezoid surfaces is 41.85 degrees. If we set the length of the longer base of said two large isosceles trapezoid surfaces each to be 1.0 the length of the respective shorter bases will be 0.68, the height of said small rectangular peak will be 0.85, the widths of said small rectangular peak will be 0.20, the widths of said large rectangular base will be 0.85, and the sides of the four isosceles trapezoid surfaces will be 0.91.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/861,392, filed Nov. 28, 2006 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally related to Chinese and Western chess piece design base on an ergonomic shape.

2. FIGS. 1B, 2B—Prior Art

For Centuries, the design of the traditional Chinese chess piece is to paint or engrave a Chinese character that represents the name of a particular Chinese chess piece on top of a cylindrical object such as wood, rock, or plastic. Design like this has one undesired weakness. As FIG. 1B shown, characters that read normal to one player would read upside down to their opponent on the opposite side. Moreover during the game, which requires intense thinking, players would neglect on how the character of each chess pieces are oriented. As result, the symbolic battlefield looks disorder, and unprofessional.

The traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess piece design as an example shown in FIG. 2B basically does not have the orientation problem like the traditional Chinese chess piece design dose. Individual Western chess piece looks nice from different perspective angle due to its upright different graceful three dimensional shapes and sizes. However, design like this has its weakness. During the game, shorter piece tends to hide behind taller piece and players could not get a clear view of every piece of chess on a chess board without moving his or her head. One solution is to make every chess piece the same size while preserving its three dimensional shapes. The problem for this solution is that for centuries, people already got used to the image of mainstream three dimensional Western chess pieces having difference size and height. The idea of making them uniform size and height would simply looks odd and would not gain popularities in the mainstream, particular in professional tournament. Also, the other weakness of the traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess piece design is that the upright elongated shape makes it hard for player to accurately relate the exact chess position on a chess board. Players often mistakenly assume a particular chess pieces located on a false location on a chess board or lost track of a particular chess piece's true position, especially during the game when number of chess pieces stood closely next to each other. Moreover, another weakness of traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess pieces design is that each chess pieces comes with one single monochrome color, either black or white. During an actual game, this requires some effort and concentration for the players to accurately identify each individual chess pieces,

In summary, win or lose from an honorable chess player's perspective, a good chess game means the two persons have competed at their full intellect without making one innocent mistake caused by distraction or misinformation that is being fed into his/her brain. The traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess design and the traditional mainstream Chinese chess design dose not provide chess players with an optimum identification solution for individual chess pieces during the game. This has let me to my new invention, a new chess pieces design platform of ergonomic shape that aims to solve the aforementioned weaknesses that lies in the traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess piece design and the traditional mainstream Chinese chess piece design.

3. FIGS. 1A, 2A—Objects and Advantages

My invention aims to compete or surpass the traditional mainstream Chinese chess design and the traditional mainstream three dimensional Western chess design by eliminate their aforementioned fundamental weaknesses and at the same time combine their best qualities into one ergonomic framework that rival all prior arts. As FIGS. 1A and 1B shows the framework has the clarity of the mainstream Chinese chess without their orientation problem, and has gracefulness of an upright structure like mainstream three dimensional Western chess without obstructing each other in the line of sight. Accordingly, the ergonomic framework for Chinese and Western chess pieces has the following objects and advantages:

-   -   a) to provide an optimum viewing solution for every chess pieces         on a chess board, so eye and brain coordination can operate         seamlessly,     -   b) symbols on the framework will always have the correct         orientation facing both players that is sitting at the opposite.         Chinese chess pieces in an actual game setting will become more         organize and professional looking,     -   c) once a chess player is in position to play chess game, he or         she do not have to move their head to get a clear view of every         chess pieces on the chess board,     -   d) Allow chess player to easily and accurately identify any         chess pieces' exact position on a chess board even when number         chess pieces are placed next to each other,     -   e) the use of multi-color is naturally acceptable on the         ergonomic framework, and it is an advantage that should be         reckon with, and     -   f) shows that Western chess pieces can look just as good and         perhaps even better in uniform shapes and sizes.

Further objects and advantages is that although the ergonomic framework is specifically designed to target Chinese and Western chess pieces, it can be use for other board games as well.

SUMMARY

The ergonomic framework defines a basic structure of particular shape that chess pieces such as Chinese chess or Western chess can be defined on. The ergonomic framework allow chess players easily, clearly, and accurately identify any individual chess pieces on a chess board and their relative position on the chess board, and thus resulted in optimizing the overall quality of chess playing experience. Embodiment one emphasize the design guideline of the ergonomic framework, the preferred shape of the ergonomic framework, and give examples of modifications made to the ergonomic framework. Embodiment two shows the ergonomic framework starts to lose its majestic and beauty when the shorter bases' length of the two large isosceles trapezoid surfaces gets close to the length of the respective longer base. Embodiment three shows that the ergonomic framework starts looks like a pyramid when the length of the shorter base of the two large isosceles trapezoids becomes too short.

DRAWING—FIGURES

FIG. 1A, perspective view of my invention deployed in a Chinese chess game setting

FIG. 1B, perspective view of prior art, traditional Chinese chess game setting

FIG. 2A, perspective view of my invention deployed in a Western chess game setting

FIG. 2B, perspective view of prior art of traditional mainstream Western chess pieces

FIG. 3A, first embodiment, perspective view, two fingers attempted to lift the structure

FIG. 3B, first embodiment, side view

FIG. 3C, first embodiment, front view

FIG. 3D, first embodiment, top view

FIG. 3E, first embodiment, bottom perspective view of base 8

FIG. 3F, first embodiment, bottom perspective view, shelled from base 8

FIG. 4A, example of the modification to the first embodiment, perspective view

FIG. 4B, example of the modification to the first embodiment, perspective view

FIG. 4C, example of the modification to the first embodiment, perspective view

FIG. 4D, top view of FIG. 4C

FIG. 4E, example of the modification to the first embodiment

FIG. 4F, top view of FIG. 4E

FIG. 4G, example of the modification to the first embodiment

FIG. 4H, top view of FIG. 4G

FIG. 5A, second embodiment, perspective view

FIG. 5B, second embodiment, top view

FIG. 6A, third embodiment, perspective view

FIG. 6B, third embodiment, top view

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   2, small rectangular peak -   2 a, flat surface -   2 b, flat surface, slightly greater than 180 degree with respects to     flat surface 2 a -   3 a, small isosceles trapezoid surface -   3 b, small isosceles trapezoid surface -   3 c, flat surface -   3 d, flat surface, slightly greater than 180 degree with respects to     flat surface 3 c -   3 e, flat surface -   3 f, flat surface, slightly greater than 180 degree with respects to     flat surface 3 e -   4 a, internal display surface -   4 b, internal display surface -   5 a, large isosceles trapezoid surface (or primary display surface) -   5 b, large isosceles trapezoid surface (or primary display surface) -   6 a, flat recess -   6 b, flat recess -   8, large rectangular base (or bottom) -   9, parting line

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, AND 4H—FIRST EMBODIMENT

The basic shape of the ergonomic framework is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. All other drawings and embodiments are modifications and variations to said basic shape. Said basic shape can be shelled from bottom 8 as it shown in FIG. 3F, or not shelled from bottom 8 as it shown in FIG. 3E. The basic shape of the ergonomic framework resemble a pyramid structure but with small rectangular peak 2, large rectangular base 8, two large isosceles trapezoids 5 a and 5 b, and two small isosceles trapezoids 3 a and 3 b. Large isosceles trapezoids surfaces 5 a and 5 b are the primary surfaces use to display art work or symbol that represents a particular chess piece.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows the ergonomic framework deployed in an actual game setting. The ergonomic framework must not be too tall as it will become more chance to obstruct each other in the line of sight, and must not be too short as it will lose the sense of its majesty and gracefulness. The fingers shown in FIG. 3A implicitly emphasize an important design guideline for every embodiments that the angle between the two large isosceles trapezoid surface 5 a and 5 b must not be too large so that they provide enough tractions for the fingers to hold and lift the structure, and the angle must not be too steep as this will provide a sub-optimum viewing angle for players. Moreover it is important that the peak is not be too sharp but has enough substance or thickness for the fingers to hold on to.

The preferred shape of the ergonomic framework is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D and has the following dimensions. The angle between large isosceles trapezoid surface 5 a and 5 b is 41.85 degrees. If we set the lengths of the longer base of large isosceles trapezoid surface 5 a and 5 b each to be 1.0, the length of the respective shorter bases will be 0.68, the height of small rectangular peak 2 will be 0.85, the widths of small rectangular peak 2 will be 0.20, the widths of large rectangular base 8 will be 0.85, and the sides of the four isosceles trapezoid surfaces will be 0.91.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H and 3F are examples of modification to the ergonomic framework and the methods use to define a particular chess piece.

FIG. 4A shows all the edges of said basic structure has been rounded, and the symbol that represents the chess piece Queen can be, engraved, stamped, painted, pad printed or label with printed sticker. The printed sticker can be transparent or opaque with its background matches the color of the structure. FIG. 4B shows the basic structure has all the edges rounded except the base edges, and the symbol that represent the chess pieces Pawn can be created using the same methods.

FIGS. 4C and 4D show the basic structure has all the edges rounded except the edges at the base, and the Chinese word Elephant is printed twice on a piece of a rectangular paper and combine with the structure using in-mold labeling. The background of said rectangular paper matches the background of the structure making it virtually undetectable.

FIGS. 4E and 4F show the chess piece Bishop is created using injection molding and the parting line 9 divides the structure into two equal half. Thus, the surfaces that meet at the parting line are slightly bigger than 180 degree in order to obtain the required draft angle. The surfaces that are being divided by parting line 9 are: small rectangular peak 2 is divided into flat surface 2 a and flat surface 2 b; small isosceles trapezoid surface 3 a is divided into flat surfaces 3 c and flat surface 3 d; and small isosceles trapezoid surface 3 a is divided into flat surfaces 3 e and flat surface 3 f.

FIGS. 4G and 4H show an empty structure ready to receive a pair of isosceles trapezoid shape printed stickers that defined a particular chess piece on flat recesses 6 a and 6 b. The sticker can be paper, thin sheet of metal, or thin sheet of plastic having different color. Parting line 9 shows that the empty structure is created by injection molding.

FIG. 3F shows that the main structure is shelled from the bottom or base 8; internal display surfaces 4 a and 4 b can be use as a surface to display symbols that represent particular chess piece, provided that the material use for the main structure is transparent or semi-transparent. In-mold labeling, printed sticker, or pad printing are some of the viable choices.

Detailed Description—FIGS. 5A, 5B—Second Embodiment

This embodiment demonstrates large isosceles trapezoid surfaces 5 a and 5 b having the maximum acceptable shorter base's length with respect to the longer base's length. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except said large isosceles trapezoid surfaces' shorter bases' length is 0.90 with respect to the longer bases' length. When the length of the shorter base gets close to 0.90 or exceed 0.90 with respect to the length of the longer bases as it is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5 b the ergonomic framework starts to lose its majestic and beauty, but still a viable framework when the art work that represent a particular chess piece required such large area of display provided that the structure is not too tall, not too short, the angle between the primary surfaces is not too wide and not too small, and has enough substance at the top for the fingers to hold on to as discussed in the first embodiment.

Detailed Description—FIGS. 6A, 6B—Third Embodiment

This embodiment demonstrates large isosceles trapezoid surfaces 5 a and 5 b having the minimum acceptable shorter base's length with respect to the longer base's length. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except said large isosceles trapezoid surfaces' the shorter bases' length is 0.20 with respect to the longer bases' length. When the length of the shorter base is getting too short or close to 0.20 as it is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B the ergonomic framework starts to looks like a pyramid and the primary display surfaces 5 a and 5 b are becoming very narrow toward the top but still a viable platform to display elongated figure such as humanoid shape provided the structure is not too tall, not too short, the angle between the primary surfaces is not too wide and not too small, and has enough substance at the top for the fingers to hold on to as discussed in the first embodiment.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

While the above description contains much specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplification of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention, For example, small rectangular peak 2 or large rectangular base 8 dose not have to be rectangular they can be square instead, and the length of the shorter base of two large isosceles trapezoid surfaces 5 a and 5 b does have to be 0.68 with respect to the length of the longer base; it could be 0.73 or 0.65 instead. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. 

1. An ergonomic framework for Chinese and Western chess pieces comprising: (a) a small rectangular peak, (b) a large rectangular base parallel to said small rectangular peak, line up its mid-point with the mid-point of said small rectangular peak on a vertical axis that is perpendicular to said small rectangular peak and said large rectangular base, said large rectangular base's lengths are parallel to the lengths of said small rectangular peak, said large rectangular bases' widths are parallel to the widths of said small rectangular peak, (c) two large isosceles trapezoid surfaces of equal shape and size, symmetrically face away from each other, separated by said small rectangular peak and said large rectangular base, jointed each of their shorter bases' length with each of the lengths of said small rectangular peak, each their longer bases' length are jointed with each of the lengths of said large rectangular base, thus each of said two large isosceles trapezoid's shorter base is also one of the length of said small rectangular peak, and each of said two large isosceles trapezoid's longer base is also one of the length of said large rectangular base, and (d) two small isosceles trapezoid surfaces of equal shape and size symmetrically face away from each other, separated by said small rectangular peak and said large rectangular base, completely filled the missing surfaces of aforementioned items (a), (b), and (c) to form one solid pyramid-like object of rectangular base, rectangular peak, and isosceles trapezoids on four sides, whereby items (a), (b), (c), and (d) defines a basic structure that unify the handling of individual chess pieces, and provide a visually improved display platform for artist or designer to display symbols that represent particular Chinese chess piece or Western chess pieces on said two large identical isosceles trapezoid surfaces using whatever mean or technique that is necessary in their disposal include but not limited to drawing, painting, pad printing, stamping, engraving, labeling, in-mold labeling, carving, cut extrude, and extrude.
 2. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said basic structure has all the edges rounded.
 3. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said basic structure has all the edges rounded except the base edges.
 4. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said basic structure is shelled from said large rectangular base.
 5. The ergonomic framework of claim 4 wherein said basic structure is shelled from said large rectangular base has internal display surfaces (4 a) and (4 b) where particular chess piece can be defined on, provided the material use to create said basic structure is transparent or semitransparent.
 6. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said basic structure is not shelled from said large rectangular base.
 7. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said two large isosceles trapezoid surfaces' shorter base's length does not exceed 0.90 and does not less than 0.20 with respect to the longer bases' length.
 8. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said large rectangular base has its width shorter than its length.
 9. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said small rectangular peak has its width shorter than its length.
 10. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said large rectangular base has width to length ratio of one to one.
 11. The ergonomic framework of claim 1 wherein said small rectangular peak has width to length ratio of one to one. 